Easy and Delicious Homemade Salad Dressings

Making salad dressings at home is easy, and nothing compares to the taste of fresh herbs mixed with good olive oil and bright citrus. Light vinaigrettes are easy to make with just a few ingredients on hand.
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When the weather starts to warm up a bit and we transition into spring and summer, lighter fare pops up on dinner tables everywhere. The warm sun ripens fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens that when put together, create fresh and satisfying salads. But don't pour sugary and preservative-filled, store-bought dressings over them; try making your own. We've rounded up some of our favorite easy homemade salad dressings that are perfect over a bed of greens, a fresh mix of fruits, or a pasta salad.

Making salad dressings at home is easy and nothing compares to the taste of fresh herbs mixed with good olive oil and bright citrus. Light vinaigrettes are easy to make with just a few ingredients on hand. You can even make large batches and keep vinaigrettes refrigerated in jars and until you use them up. Creamy dressings like buttermilk and ranch don't have as long a shelf life, but you can make a mix of dried spices and herbs and keep that in your pantry, and then just mix in the creamy ingredients for a quick and easy dressing.

5 Easy Homemade Salad Dressings
Homemade Honey Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe(01 of05)
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Use this salad dressing on a green salad or on a fresh fruit salad.
Photo Credit: Taste of Home
Click here to see the Homemade Honey Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
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Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe(02 of05)
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Make the ranch mix and keep stored in your pantry for a quick dressing. Just add the mayonnaise and buttermilk for a creamy dressing.
Photo Credit: Taste of Home
Click here to see the Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe(03 of05)
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This better than bottled blue cheese dresing is great on greens or as a dip.
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Click here to see the Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
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Garlic Maple Dressing Recipe(04 of05)
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Try mixing garlic and maple syrup for a savory and sweet salad dressing.
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Click here to see the Garlic Maple Dressing Recipe
Savory Grape Salad Dressing Recipe(05 of05)
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Drizzle this dressing over simple fresh greens, or use it for everything from chopped chicken salad to steamed vegetables.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Click here to see the Savory Grape Salad Dressing Recipe
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So, grab a whisk and start making your own salad dressings. They are fast, healthy, and can add a burst of bright and fresh flavor to any salad. Try some of these easy vinaigrettes or creamy dressings to enhance your next bowl of salad.

-- Emily Jacobs, The Daily Meal

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